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- Tasks: Support the Head Chef in delivering high-quality meals and leading the kitchen team.
- Company: Join a dynamic catering team at Wattisham Airfield, part of Compass Group UK&I.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, pension scheme, discounts, and wellness classes.
- Other info: Flexible shifts with excellent career growth opportunities in a supportive team.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a professional Defence catering environment while developing your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: Previous experience as a Sous Chef or Senior Chef de Partie is essential.
The predicted salary is between 32592 - 32592 £ per year.
Pay: £32,592 per annum
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Working Pattern: 5 days over 7
Shift Patterns:
- Early: 06:30 - 14:30
- Late: 12:00 - 20:00
Meal Service Times:
- Breakfast: 07:00 - 08:30
- Lunch: 12:00 - 13:30
- Dinner: 17:00 - 20:00
Catering for up to 50 Service Personnel per day within a team of 6.
We are recruiting a motivated and experienced Sous Chef to join our catering team at Wattisham. This is a fantastic opportunity to work in a professional Defence catering environment, supporting the Head Chef in delivering high-quality, nutritious meals while leading and developing the kitchen team.
Key Responsibilities:
- Support the Head Chef in the day-to-day running of the kitchen
- Prepare, cook, and serve high-quality meals across all services
- Supervise, motivate, and support kitchen staff to maintain standards
- Ensure excellent food hygiene, safety, and cleanliness practices
- Assist with menu planning, stock control, ordering, and allergen management
- Deliver efficient service across all shift patterns
About You:
- Previous experience essential in a similar role (Sous Chef or Senior Chef de Partie)
- Culinary qualifications desirable (City & Guilds / NVQ or equivalent)
- Strong leadership, communication, and organisational skills
- Passion for great food and quality service
- Flexible, reliable, and comfortable working early and late shifts
We ensure you're rewarded for all your hard work, which is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes but is not limited to:
- Contributory pension scheme
- Grow your career with our Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes
- Quick access for you and your immediate family to a Digital GP, and wider healthcare benefits
- Exclusive travel discounts with TUI, Expedia, and many more
- Save money on your food shop with discounts on Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons and many more
- Up to 44% off cinema tickets to enjoy your favourite blockbuster
- Receive cash rewards every time you spend and use them on a wide range of brands
- Un-wind with us with free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes
About Us:
Part of Compass Group UK&I, ESS is the Defence, Government, and Energy services sector of Compass Group UK & Ireland. We support 250+ UK military establishments, high profile police, secure environments and government sites, along with a range of onshore and offshore facilities including platforms, drilling rigs, floatels and offices for the energy sector. We know that a friendly face makes all the difference, so we look for people who are passionate about delivering excellent customer service, at all levels, to join our teams.
Compass Group UK&I is committed to fostering an environment where every individual can truly be themselves at work and has equal opportunities to advance in their careers. We strive to build a culture that respects and celebrates the unique talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and abilities of all our team members. We want our colleagues to feel valued, empowered to reach their full potential, and to thrive - because diversity is our strength!
Sous Chef in Hadleigh employer: ESS
Contact Detail:
ESS Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Sous Chef in Hadleigh
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the culinary world, whether it's through social media or local events. You never know who might have a lead on a Sous Chef position or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, create a portfolio of your best dishes or even a short video showcasing your cooking techniques. This can really set you apart from other candidates and give employers a taste of what you can bring to their kitchen.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to pop up. Reach out directly to restaurants or catering companies you admire and express your interest in working with them. A little initiative can go a long way!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got some fantastic opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge. Plus, it’s super easy to navigate and keeps everything in one place.
We think you need these skills to ace Sous Chef in Hadleigh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Culinary Skills: When you're writing your application, make sure to highlight your previous experience as a Sous Chef or Senior Chef de Partie. We want to see how you've led teams and delivered high-quality meals, so don’t hold back on those tasty details!
Tailor Your Application: Take a moment to read through the job description and match your skills with what we’re looking for. If you’ve got culinary qualifications or strong leadership skills, let us know! Personalising your application shows us you’re genuinely interested.
Keep It Professional Yet Personal: While we love a friendly tone, remember to keep it professional. Share your passion for food and service, but also ensure your application is well-structured and free from typos. A polished application speaks volumes about your attention to detail!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s super easy and ensures your application gets to the right place. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our fantastic benefits package!
How to prepare for a job interview at ESS
✨Know Your Culinary Basics
Brush up on your culinary techniques and terminology. Be ready to discuss your experience with various cooking methods, food safety standards, and menu planning. This shows you’re not just passionate about food but also knowledgeable.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Sous Chef, you'll be leading a team. Prepare examples of how you've motivated and supported kitchen staff in the past. Highlight any specific situations where your leadership made a difference in service or team morale.
✨Understand the Role's Environment
Familiarise yourself with the Defence catering environment. Research what it means to cater for service personnel and how that might differ from other settings. This will demonstrate your commitment and understanding of the unique challenges involved.
✨Prepare Questions to Ask
Think of insightful questions to ask during the interview. Inquire about the team dynamics, menu planning processes, or how they handle allergen management. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.